Australian teenager Alex Peroni’s road to Formula 1 has taken another positive step, with the Tasmanian to take part in official testing for the new 2019 FIA Formula 3 Championship. 

Peroni has made no secrets of his lofty ambitions to race at the highest level, with his sights set on a campaign in Formula 3, a rebranded version of the current GP3 series, which will be officially launched at Abu Dhabi this weekend. 

Not only are the 3.4-litre cars significantly faster than the 2-litre Formula Renault open wheelers Peroni raced this year, but all rounds of the championship will be held in conjunction with Formula 1 events, giving the drivers global exposure opportunities.

The CAMS Foundation has supported Peroni, hosting a fundraising dinner earlier this month.

“It’s great that the CAMS Foundation has stepped in at this crucial stage,” Peroni said.

“Now I’m more optimistic than ever of securing the funding to achieve my ultimate goal of racing in Formula 1.

“Thanks to my 2018 supporters and corporate sponsors, in particular Blundstone, RACT and Richardson Devine Marine. They’ve given me the opportunity to go further than I ever dreamed as a seven-year-old racing karts in Tasmania.

“I’ll keep doing everything I can to justify their support into the future.”

On track, Peroni is confident of making his mark on Formula 3.

“It’s actually a double-step up from Formula Renault, because the new Formula 3 car will have a lot more power – 410 bhp compared to 210 bhp – and more aerodynamic downforce,” the 18-year-old said.

“But after four years in junior development categories I’m ready for the challenge of racing in a top-level series.”

Peroni will join with leading Spanish team Campos Racing for the November 29 to December 1 test program at the Yas Marina circuit, the location for this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix.

He knows the importance of being on a strong team.

“Two of the most important lessons I’ve learned from racing in Europe are that driving with one of the top teams makes a big difference to your chances of winning a championship, plus you need to do all of the out-of-series tests,” Peroni added.

“With the cars all identical in specification, tiny differences in suspension and aerodynamic settings can save vital tenths and even hundredths of a second in your lap times.”